Sweden’s Andreas Almgren claimed victory in the men’s race at the New York City Marathon on Sunday, completing the course in 2 hours, 6 minutes and 1 second. At 31 years old, Almgren was making his competitive marathon debut, finishing 13 seconds ahead of Italy’s Yemaneberhan Crippa. His time marked the third-fastest in the event’s 50-year history and made him the first Swedish winner of the race.

Almgren emerged from a large lead pack of 15 runners that remained intact until around mile 21 of the course, which is known for its challenging long inclines and sharp turns. He gradually distanced himself from his competitors in the final stages, ultimately pulling away from Crippa in the last mile to secure the win.

Choosing New York over other faster marathon courses such as Chicago and Valencia, Almgren explained that he sought a more tactical race rather than a time trial. “I just think that New York is a better fit for me where I’m at, at this moment,” he said prior to the race, adding that he intended to “follow the front pack and then hopefully be strong in the end.”

Almgren’s marathon success follows significant achievements in other long-distance events. In September, he won the half marathon at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in 58 minutes and 6 seconds, placing him among the ten fastest performers in history for the distance. He also earned a bronze medal in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and secured gold in the same event at the European Championships in August, setting a new championship record of 27:23.44, a mark that had stood since 1978.

In the women’s race, Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui repeated her victory from 2024, securing her second win at the New York City Marathon.

Almgren’s win also highlighted the ongoing competition among athletic sponsors in the evolving market for marathon running footwear. He raced in Nike’s Apex model, part of the brand’s recent developments in “super shoes,” featuring carbon-fiber plates and energy-returning foam designed to enhance performance. Nike, which popularized such technology a decade ago, had recently faced challenges from competitors like Adidas, whose footwear contributed to a landmark sub-two-hour marathon achievement in London in April. Almgren’s triumph represents a notable moment for the Nike brand as it seeks to regain its lead in long-distance running innovation.